The Protocol of the 36th America’s Cup was released today at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron after a focused and friendly period of negotiation between the Defender and the Challenger of Record Circolo della Vela Sicilia following Emirates Team New Zealand’s victory in the America’s Cup only three months ago in Bermuda. This Protocol is intended to reflect the true spirit of the America’s Cup established by The Deed of Gift ( a perpetual challenge cup for friendly competition between foreign countries ) whilst pioneering high-performance technology, inspiring sports fans around the world and uniting the sailing world.

“The choices agreed with the Defender have all gone in the right direction and I am particularly happy for the constructive spirit with which this Protocol has been negotiated by all parties. This Protocol truly reflects and respects the reference principles of the sport and of the Cup and I am therefore proud that our Club will be represented by Luna Rossa also in this edition of the America’s Cup, which opens a new and virtuous cycle for the most prestigious sailing trophy.”

GRANT DALTON: CEO Emirates Team New Zealand

“The release of the protocol just three months after the last race of the America’s Cup is the start line for all teams, existing or prospective, of the 36th America’s Cup campaign. This was a focused negotiation with the Challenger of Record but the common ground was to produce a Protocol that was fair first and foremost with a basis of both tradition and technology. We are also absolutely delighted that Prada, a global brand of the highest repute and style, will be joining us as the Title Sponsor on this exciting journey.”

PATRIZIO BERTELLI: President of Luna Rossa Challenge.

“Luna Rossa has welcomed the opportunity to be Challenger of Record for AC36 as a mark of confidence and support towards Team New Zealand and the new course given to the America'Cup. Indeed we could not have accepted this position in the last edition since the environment was not unbiased. After our withdrawal from AC35, we were glad to encourage Team New Zealand and today we renew our congratulations to Grant Dalton and his Team for their fantastic achievement. Now the situation has completely changed: the original values of the Cup are being restored and the traditional prerogatives of each side preserved. Emirates Team New Zealand are longtime friends of Luna Rossa, while fully independent from each other, as was the case during AC 31st when Team New Zealand was the Defender and Luna Rossa the Challenger of Record.

The new Protocol has been negotiated bearing in mind the founding principles of the Deed of Gift, but with a strong innovative approach towards technical and sporting evolution of the Cup and the sport of sailing.

Because of this new promising trend, the management of Prada Group has decided to assume the prestigious yet demanding role of Title and Presenting Sponsor of the whole AC 36”